Managing Illness & Disease

Imran, 42, found himself at a crossroads when he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. This new diagnosis compounded his existing health concerns: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lifelong obesity. The recent referral to a cardiologist for chest pains served as a stark wake-up call. 

His demanding job as a middle manager, with its stressful and ever-changing shift work, left him little time for self-care. Married with three young children, Imran’s deteriorating health became a growing concern for his family.

Imran’s once active lifestyle had dwindled due to his weight and health issues. He struggled with a poor diet, exacerbated by cultural restrictions around food, and found exercise unenjoyable and increasingly difficult. 

The diabetes diagnosis and cardiologist referral were a turning point. Determined to see his children grow up and have families of their own, Imran resolved to reclaim his health and prioritise longevity.

Imran’s search for a solution led him to seek a clinic that could offer holistic care. He needed a team that understood the complexities of his situation and could provide integrated support alongside his wider medical treatment. 

For Imran, finding a team that could offer psychological, emotional, and nutritional guidance was crucial to achieving lasting wellbeing.

We understand that every individual’s experience of living with chronic illness and disease is different. 

It is important we listen with compassion and care, to really hear and understand your unique set of circumstances.

Only then can we create a treatment and support programme that is personalised to your needs and change goals.

Here are some challenges people living with chronic illness experience:

Symptoms:

• Pain: Chronic pain is a common symptom of many illnesses and can significantly impact daily life.
• Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy is a frequent challenge.
• Mobility Issues: Limited mobility due to pain, weakness, or other symptoms can be frustrating and isolating.
• Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping or experiencing poor sleep quality can exacerbate other symptoms and affect overall wellbeing.

Behaviors:

• Social Isolation: Withdrawing from social activities due to illness or feeling different from others.
• Reduced Physical Activity: Difficulty engaging in regular exercise due to pain, fatigue, or other limitations.
• Changes in Eating Habits: Changes in appetite, dietary restrictions, or difficulty preparing food can lead to malnutrition or unhealthy eating patterns.
• Medication Management: Keeping track of multiple medications and potential side effects can be overwhelming.

Mindset:

• Feelings of Hopelessness: Struggling to see a future beyond the illness and feeling like things will never improve.
• Loss of Identity: Feeling like the illness defines them and they have lost their sense of self.
• Fear of the Future: Anxiety about what the future holds and how the illness will progress.
• Uncertainty: Not knowing what to expect from the illness and how it will affect their life.

Emotional:

• Depression: Feelings of sadness, emptiness, and loss of interest in activities.
• Anxiety: Excessive worry and fear about the illness and its impact on life.
• Frustration: Feeling frustrated with the limitations imposed by the illness and the inability to do things they once enjoyed.
• Mood Swings: Experiencing unpredictable changes in mood due to the illness, medication, or other factors.

Social:

• Stigma: Facing discrimination or negative attitudes from others due to their illness.
• Strained relationships: Difficulty maintaining relationships due to the demands of the illness or changes in personality.
• Financial Burden: Experiencing financial difficulties due to medical bills, lost income, or the inability to work.
• Lack of Support: Feeling isolated and alone without adequate support from family, friends, or healthcare professionals.

Take the first step and speak with our client services team. They will suggest a plan of how you can get the support you need with our team.

The Vicious Cycle of Chronic Illness & Obesity

Chronic illness and disease can trigger a cascade of physical changes in the body, which can, in turn, fuel disordered eating, poor mental health, and weight gain. This creates a complex and interconnected web of challenges that can be difficult to untangle.

Physical Changes & Disordered Eating:

• Hormonal Imbalances: Chronic diseases often disrupt hormonal balance, impacting hunger cues, metabolism, and cravings. This can lead to overeating, restrictive eating, or other disordered eating behaviors.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications used to manage chronic illnesses can cause weight gain, nausea, or changes in taste and appetite, contributing to unhealthy eating patterns.
• Fatigue & Reduced Mobility: Chronic illness often leads to fatigue and reduced physical activity, making it challenging to maintain a healthy weight and increasing the risk of weight gain.
• Digestive Issues: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause digestive problems, leading to food avoidance, nutrient deficiencies, and unhealthy eating habits.

Mental and Emotional Impact:

• Stress & Anxiety: The stress of managing a chronic illness can trigger emotional eating and unhealthy coping mechanisms, leading to weight gain and further health complications.
• Depression: Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and low self-esteem associated with chronic illness can contribute to emotional eating, social isolation, and a lack of motivation to engage in healthy behaviors.
• Body Image Issues: Changes in body shape or function due to illness can negatively impact body image and self-esteem, potentially leading to disordered eating and unhealthy weight control behaviors.

The Obesity Link

Obesity itself is a chronic disease that can exacerbate existing health conditions and increase the risk of developing new ones. The physical and emotional challenges associated with obesity can further contribute to disordered eating, poor mental health, and a downward spiral of health decline.

Breaking The Cycle

At WeightMatters, we address the interconnectedness of chronic illness, disease, and obesity, and our holistic approach considers the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of health. 

We provide integrated care that addresses the root causes of these issues, supporting you in breaking free from the cycle so you can experience greater wellbeing and quality of life.